Canopy

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Canopy

Poem

A dome of amorous vines woven into green roof
Shielding its air against a harsh summer sun,
A little alcove of easy pleasant breath
Housing beast and man in equal shade,
A sanctuary from the reign of blistering heat;
Under it ventured one with matted-locks
And drew upon Nature’s generosity gladly,
Mused he, “Ah, wondrous oasis of relief,
The plentiful bounty of thy simplicity
Harbouring heat oppressed brow and feet,
Healing our breath from perspiration’s penalty
Imposed on all that birth and live.
What deep heart of care conceived thee,
What forevision made thy twinning vine,
Locking arms like warriors against
The heavy assault of too much sun,
Splintering waves of light to little beams
That soothe and tease a drowsy eye.
Too many the feet and beating hearts by thee
Comforted, their gladness here live like thoughts
That linger hovering by a worshipped form;
Is it thus ordained for living forms to sacrifice,
By their heart conceive and by wills to dispense
Their happy acceptance of thy tremendous labour?
Thus the recompense of blind men to gods,
Their unknowing crude offering of flower
Accepted by the immortal gods afar?
Or do these thoughts water thee somehow
Nourishing thy bark and leaf and root,
Our obeisance the secret of thy soft cares?
Be as it may O canopy, I have glimpsed
My share of thy mystery on this fated day.
I shall return again from my climbed heights
And will eek a little more of thy secret charm.
Now I leave glad thoughts for thee and all who venture here.”